EDITORIAL — Now we have a clearer picture

Yesterday was the last day of the filing of Certificates of Candidacy for the 2025 mid-term elections. And what an opening circus it was! Government positions were applied for by people from all walks of life, young and old, and the famous, the infamous, and the unknown.

Among those running for senator are an arrested cult leader, a whistleblower, a former action star, and a taxi driver, among others.

In Manila City, a former mayor is seeking to reclaim his former post against his former running mate.

In Davao City, someone is running in the hope of unseating the Duterte dynasty that has ruled the city for three decades. And speaking of the Duterte dynasty, the former president is running for mayor again, his son for vice mayor, and his grandson for congressman of the city’s second district.

In Cebu, two former rivals are renewing their bid for Mandaue City mayor, a political neophyte is running for Cebu City mayor with the “blessing” of Malacañang, and a retired seafarer is seeking to challenge the provincial governor.

Of course, we have no space to mention all the people and colorful personalities intending to run for office. And following the “weeding out” process by the Commission on Elections of so-called nuisance candidates --usually meaning those too poor in money and influence to mount an electoral campaign-- we will have a clearer picture of our choices.

Like we said in a recent editorial, we should know whom to vote for and more importantly whom not to vote for.

The problem with many of us is that we vote based on personality more than anything else. Some vote for a candidate just because he or she has the same family name as the voter. Others vote for a candidate because they come from the same city, province, or even region. Others vote for a candidate because they have somehow pledged loyalty to them for life, no matter what they have done.

Remember that senator who became popular because he danced? It may not be a stretch to say that others vote for a candidate just because they do something amusing.

We should not forget that it’s non-discernment that has led to the assumption of the wrong people into public office. And we have seen that happen with barangay captains, councilors, mayors, governors, congressmen, senators, and even presidents of the republic.